Target to be launched into the air for archery training

ABSTRACT

A target ( 1 ) for archery training, which is to be launched into the air and is suitable for being hit by an arrow, includes at least two mutually opposing surfaces, at least one of which forms a surface for receiving arrows, characterized in that at least one receiving surface has at least one surface relief ( 3   a,    3   b ). A device for launching such a target, and a method for making such a target with surface reliefs made advantageously by hot marking are also described. Applicable to shooting at any projectile, especially in archery, and particularly when the target is mobile, for example by being launched into the air.

The present invention relates to a target for archery training. More particularly, this target is to be launched into the air and be—hit by arrows during target shooting practice. The target may be launched manually or by an automatic mobile target launcher.

Archery targets that are launched into the air, especially manually by a partner, are already known.

However, the problem of these targets is that the arrows are unable to penetrate them.

This is a considerable problem, especially when using moving targets. Indeed, the applicant has observed that the collision between an arrow and a target in flight will result in the arrow penetrating the target in 90% of cases. The remaining 10% involve what is commonly called a “refusal” and may have several causes: a blunt arrow, an arrow impacting the periphery of the target (the target rotates and the linear speed at the periphery may prevent penetration of the arrow), an angle of collision between the arrow and the plane defined by the surface of the receiving target being too acute. By extension, this applies to all the other forms of projectiles.

The purpose of this invention is to design a target with improved projectile reception capabilities that is particularly suitable for launching into the air by either manual or automatic means, for use in target shooting and especially archery.

To this end, according to the invention, the target for use in archery which is to be launched into the air and is suitable for being hit by an arrow comprises at least two mutually opposite surfaces, at least one of which forms a surface for receiving arrows, is characterized in that at least one receiving surface has at least one surface relief.

Advantageously, the two surfaces form a surface for receiving arrows. Each one of the two faces extends in a main plane parallel to the other and at least one, but preferably both faces, has at least one central depression arranged so that both sides are symmetrical one with the other relative to a plane median to the two main planes of the two faces.

The target according to the invention may optionally contain at least one of the following:

the target is made of foam.

each receiving surface is substantially flat and at least one surface relief forms a discontinuity in the plane of the said two surfaces,

the surface relief(s) is (are) arranged by adding and/or removing material from the receiving surface,

the surface relief(s) is (are) arranged on the receiving surface and/or configured so as to increase the aerodynamics or the stability in flight of the target after launching,

the surface relief is a depression,

the depression is central on the receiving surface,

the central depression is annular forming preferably a recessed cylindrical portion on the main plane faces,

the central depression is between 0.2 and 1 cm deep and 6 to 7 cm in diameter,

the central depression has a different color from the receiving surface,

each of the two receiving surfaces comprises at least one depression arranged symmetrically relative to the target plane,

the target includes at least one receiving surface with multiple concentric depressions, these depressions being of equal or different depths,

the edges of at least one depression form a shoulder creating an angle of 45° with the receiving surface,

the surface relief is formed of cells,

the target is circular and has a diameter of between 15 and 40 cm, advantageously between 25 and 33 cm,

the target is circular and between 3 and 15 cm thick,

the target is made of foam and has a density of 25 to 160 kg/m³,

the target is formed of an core layer, surrounded by two outer layers, each of said outer layers forming a receiving surface of the target,

the density of the material used for the inner layer is greater than the material used for the outer layers in order to enhance satisfactory penetration and retention of the projectile in one of the two outer layers forming the surfaces of the target, the projectile not penetrating deeply into the target after passing through the outer layer due to the resistance of the inner layer,

the density of the material used for the inner layer is approximately 65 kg/m³, and that of the outer layers approximately 33 kg/m³,

the inner layer is preferably from 2 to 9 cm thick, that is to say thicker than the outer layers. The thickness of the outer layers varies between 0.7 and 2 cm, and is preferably 1 cm,

the inner layer is a color, preferably blue, that is different from the outer layers, which are preferably orange, the two outer layers being preferably the same color,

the central depression has an identical color to the inner layer.

The present invention also relates to a device for launching mobile targets comprising a storage device in which at least one target as described previously is stored, and a device for launching the target in the air.

Lastly, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a target, advantageously reversible, the said target being capable of receiving the fired projectiles on at least one of its faces forming a receiving surface for targets, characterized by the creation of at least one surface relief on at least one receiving surface by hot stamping or removal of the material.

According to any variants, that are not restrictive, the process is such that:

at least two surface reliefs are made by hot stamping and/or removal of material so as to form two depressions (3 a, 3 b) of different depths,

at least one surface relief is formed in the thickness of an outer layer 3 of the target,

at least one surface relief is produced by hot stamping so as to form a depression, preferably peripheral,

at least one surface relief is produced by removing material so as to form a preferably central depression.

hot stamping or removal enables the color of the surface relief to be changed relative to the color of the receiving surface.

The technical effect is achieved by the presence of at least one surface relief formed on the surface of the target receiving the projectiles, which tends to increase the probability of projectile reception, for example, the probability of an arrow penetrating the target even if the penetration angle is not optimal or a target has already received several projectiles.

One advantage of the present invention is due to the fact that the center of the target is distinguished by the presence of surface relief. This particular shape has a different color from the rest of the target receiving surface. This creates an aiming point for the archer which greatly improves his chances of hitting the target.

Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the present invention will come to light on reading the following detailed description and taking into account the appended drawings, given as non-exhaustive examples and on which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a top view of a projectile receiving surface of a reversible target according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a side view in perspective of the reversible target according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of the reversible target, according to the present invention,

FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the part enclosed in the circle drawn on FIG. 3 of the reversible target according to the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the target 1 according to the present invention is capable of receiving the fired projectiles on at least one of its faces, one opposite the other, each one of the faces forming a surface for receiving the projectiles. This target is characterized in that at least one receiving surface has a surface relief 3 a, 3 b.

Preferably, the two faces extend along a main plane, the two main planes being parallel to one another.

The target has the form of a disc with two faces and an edge corresponding to the thickness of the target, i.e. the thickness between the two faces.

The receiving surface comprises a flat surface forming a first level and corresponding preferably to the main plane and at least a second surface level forming a depression relative to the surface of the first level.

According to one possible embodiment, the surfaces of the first level and the second level are substantially parallel.

Without limitation, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that the target 1 in the present invention comprises an inner layer 3, enclosed in two outer layers 2, at least one of the outer layers 2 forming a receiving surface for the target 1 opposite and parallel to the other face 1.

The target 1 shown on FIGS. 3 and 4 is reversible, that is to say these two outer layers 2 form the receiving surfaces of the target. In an advantageous arrangement, the two receiving surfaces of the target are identical.

Preferably, the two receiving surfaces of the target each comprise a central depression.

By central is meant situated in the center of the receiving surface, for example, at its center in the case of a disc.

The central depressions on each of the sides are preferably arranged so that the target is symmetrical, that is to say the two receiving surfaces are symmetrical with respect to each other and relative to the mid-plane dividing the target into two parts across its height.

The mid-plane is defined longitudinally as a plane intersecting the target plane and equidistant from the main faces.

The symmetry is relative to the central depression, its position and its shape. The symmetry does not necessarily extend to the colors or any other reliefs.

This symmetry facilitates the reversibility of the target and improves the regularity of its launch, thereby facilitating its shooting by the archer.

In the figures, the surface reliefs 3 a or 3 b are depressions obtained by removing material or hot stamping the receiving surface, that is to say, at least one of the outer layers 2. This is not limiting, and these surface reliefs can also be of another type that creates a discontinuity in the receiving surface of the projectiles, this surface being formed on each side by an outer layer 2. Thus, surface reliefs 3 a, 3 b can be created by adding and/or removing material from the receiving surface, the latter being the preferred solution.

More generally, at least one projectile receiving surface of the reversible target according to the invention may present several surface reliefs, whether by depression and/or relief on the plane of the receiving surface, and this with different depths forming hollows in the receiving surface and/or projections from the receiving surface.

Thus, it is possible to achieve different combinations of the target with multiple reliefs with different depths and/or different colors. For example, there could be four zones on the targets as will be seen later or only one blue surface in the center or without any stamping.

On the figures showing the present invention, the target 1 has a cylindrical shape, the thickness of the outer layer 2 and inner layer 3 forming the edge of the cylinder and the surfaces for receiving the projectile forming the circular surround. However, this is not restrictive and the surface reliefs may also have another surround, for example, square or rectangular, oval or circular, but the circular shape of the receiving surfaces is preferred, especially when the target 1 is to be launched into the air.

On these figures, the two surface reliefs 3 a and 3 b shown each take the form of a depression. These surface reliefs 3 a and 3 b are preferably concentric, one being in the median part of the target 1 and the other extending to the periphery of the projectile receiving surface of the said target 1.

As to the outer layer 2 and inner layer 3, these are advantageously in the form of a plastic foam. The density of the material used for the inner layer 3 is greater than that used for the outer layers 2 in order to enhance penetration and retention of the projectile in one of the two outer layers 2 forming the receiving surface of the target 1; the projectile does not penetrate deeply into the target 1 after passing through the outer layer 2 due to the resistance of the inner layer 3.

The target, and more precisely the two receiving surfaces, are preferably configured in order to be impacted and to ensure that the arrow is retained.

Thus, a projectile fired against the receiving surface encounters firstly the outer layer 2 of this surface and penetrates through it easily due to the relatively low density of the said layer 2. This enables the projectile to be retained and reduces the number of refusals. After this penetration of the outer layer 2, the projectile then encounters the inner layer 3 which reduces its velocity due to its greater density and impedes its progress inside the target 1. Thus, the projectile does not penetrate deeply into the target and, if necessary, is easier to remove from the target 1.

This is particularly advantageous when the projectile is an arrow. During penetration by the arrow, no mechanical stress causes its point to lose its sharpness. For example, the relative low density of the outer layer ensures that even during intensive use, the arrows will not suffer any damage due to multiple penetrations through the target.

Different plastic materials can be used for the outer layers 2 on the one hand and the inner layers 3 on the other, for example polyethylene for the outer layers 2 and another plastic such as polyurethane for the inner layer 3. Other plastics may be used, for example an olefin polymer. However, it is preferable to use a polyethylene for the outer layer 2 and the inner layer 3 of the target 1 but with different densities in order to perform the series of effects described above.

The foam materials comprising the target withstand advantageously ultraviolet light and are watertight, this concerns principally the outer layers of the target, and mechanical forces, and have advantageously the capacity to recover their original dimensions after deformation. Moreover, the materials, especially polyethylene, are non-toxic if swallowed or for the environment. The target according to the present invention is relatively lightweight. As an example, in archery, a circular reversible target according to the present invention with a diameter of 24.5 cm and two reception surfaces weighs close to 100 g, or 200 g in the case of a 33 cm diameter target. In the event that the target strikes a person, its weight would lead to little or no injury.

These materials do not degrade with time and are able to tolerate advantageously 500 or more impacts, giving the target an extremely long life.

Advantageously, and especially concerning a projectile such as an arrow, the density of the material used for the inner layer 3 is approximately 65 kg/m³, and that of the outer layers 2 approximately 33 kg/m³. The maximum density of 65 kg/m³ allows the archer to extract an arrow that has penetrated the target while sufficiently impeding the penetration of the arrow into the target whereas a density of 33 kg/m³ for the external layer 2 facilitates the penetration of the arrow into the target 1. Moreover, the inner layer 3 with a density of 65 kg/m³ brings rigidity and weight to the target 1 in order, if necessary, to withstand the mechanical forces during the launching of the said target, the force imposed by the launching device, and the abrasion due to friction when launching the target 1. It must be borne in mind that these densities also vary according to the type of projectile fired against the target.

For example, when the target 1 is circular, its diameter may vary between 15 and 40 cm, and advantageously be between 25 and 33 cm for a thickness of 3 to 15 cm, and have a density of 25 to 160 kg/m³, the density of the inner layer 3 being greater than the density of the outer layers 2.

For example, the inner layer 3 may be 2 to 9 cm thick which is greater than the thickness of the outer layers 2 which ranges from 2 to 0.7 cm, and preferably 1 cm.

Advantageously, the outer layers 2 are of a color, preferably orange, that is different from the inner layer 3, which is preferably blue, the two outer layers 2 being preferably of the same color in order to give the same appearance to the two projectile receiving surfaces of the target 1.

The orange color is not only visible against all types of backgrounds, for example the sky, the forest, etc., but also very telegenic. The blue section at the center of the receiving surface of the target 1 could increase significantly the success rate of the archer since the latter would focus on this section.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the central depression 3 b, for example with disc shape, is preferably made by removing material from at least one of the two outer layers 2 of the target 1 crosses completely through the associated outer layer 2 for a depth 5 and allows the inner layer 3 to appear. In this case, the central depression 3 b is the same color as the color of the inner layer 3. However, this is not obligatory and the circular-shaped central depression 3 b may have a depth of between 0.2 to 1 cm and a diameter of 6 to 7 cm.

In order to allow easy recognition of the central depression 3 b, it is advantageously of a different color from the rest of the receiving surface, that is to say the corresponding outer layer 2.

Advantageously, the depressions 3 a, 3 b are concentric as can be seen on FIGS. 1 and 2, these depressions 3 a, 3 b having equal or different depths. Thus, the peripheral depressions 3 a are preferably annular shaped.

This latter feature is particularly visible on FIG. 4 which is an enlargement of a part of FIG. 3 enclosed in a circle referenced B on this figure. On this figure, the peripheral depression 3 a, that is to say the depression closest to the periphery of the receiving surface has a depth 6 that is less than the depth 5 of the central depression 3 b. Thus, the peripheral depression 3 a does not penetrate the outer layer 2 sufficiently to reveal the inner layer 3, as may be the case for the central depression 3 b, the base of which is formed by this inner layer 3.

On FIG. 4, it can also be seen that the edges of the central depression 3 b and the peripheral depression 3 a may differ. The edge 4 of a peripheral depression 3 a forms a shoulder at an angle of 45° to the receiving surface of the target 1, which is the upper face of the corresponding outer layer 2. The edge 7 of the central depression 3 b may have a shoulder such that a depth corresponding to the depth 6 of the peripheral depression 3 a may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the central depression 3 b formed by the inner layer 3 of the target 1. These shoulders at the edges 4 and 7 of the central depression 3 b and peripheral depression 3 a have the advantage, particularly when the projectile's angle of collision with the receiving surface of the target 1 is too acute, of increasing the projectile's penetration. The depressions 3 a-3 b trap the arrows.

Advantageously, at least one of the surface reliefs, whether depression and/or projection from the target receiving surface, may be provided with cells. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the target is launched by a clay pigeon type launching device. With these devices, the target is positioned with one of the two receiving surfaces in contact with a launch plate and a launch arm that launches the target by contact with the edge of the target. Moving the target onto the launch platform means that there are small friction forces between these two components.

The presence of cells on the receiving surface of the target decreases the contact with the launch plate and thereby contributes to reducing the friction forces.

For illustration purposes only and in a non-restrictive manner, a target according to the present invention may be circular, for example with a diameter of 10 to 50 cm, and preferably approximately 24.5 cm and 33 cm. By examining the example of a circular target of 24.5 cm diameter, four zones defined by the periphery of the said surface and the surface reliefs present on this surface can be identified on a reversible target reception surface:

at the periphery of the receiving surface is a first zone of between 24.5 cm and 18 cm, which is a zone without any relief,

a second zone of between 18 and 12 cm that may take the form of a depression 2 mm deeper than the previous one, this zone having been advantageously deformed by hot stamping with optionally the addition of a deeper color, this zone corresponding to the peripheral depression 3 a shown on the figures,

a third zone of between 12 and 6 cm identical to the first one,

a fourth zone of 6 cm diameter with 5 mm deep depression formed by removal of material, the orange color of the outer layer 2 having been replaced by the blue color of the denser inner layer 3, this zone corresponding to the central depression 3 b shown on FIGS. 3 and 4.

This contrast of the two colors makes it easy to visualize the projectile receiving surface when the reversible target is launched in the air, offering the archer a reference for his shot.

This can also be applied to a reversible target according to the present invention, notably with a diameter of 33 cm or another diameter with adaptation to the diameter of the four zones to the diameter of the reversible target.

Given that this reversible target may be launched into the air manually or by a clay pigeon target launching device as will be seen hereafter, advantageously the surface relief(s) 3 a, 3 b present on at least one target receiving surface are arranged on the receiving surface and/or configured so as to improve the aerodynamics and in-flight stability of the target 1 after being launched into the air. It is noted that surprisingly, instead of disturbing the flight, the surface relief(s) 3 a, 3 b stabilize the target in flight by generating controlled movement of the air over the surface relief(s).

Therefore, the present invention also relates to a device for launching mobile targets 1 comprising a storage device, in which at least one target 1 is stored according to the present invention and a device for launching the target 1 in the air.

Conventionally, the device for launching moving targets advantageously comprises a storage device in which is stored at least one target, this storage device being advantageously rotatable. The storage device generally comprises multiple targets stacked one on the others. The or each target is pushed out of the storage device in sequence, the latter forming an assembly for feeding and distributing targets towards a launch plate acting as the launch device of the machine, and the target is launched in the air by the said device.

It is possible to increase the maximum number of impacts that the reversible target is able to tolerate, the target being advantageously rotationally symmetrical so that, when the target is moving in the air, it rotates in the plane of the target according on an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the target. When the target is rotating, the impacts are being evenly distributed. As a result, a maximum number of 500 impacts can be envisaged.

A possible method of manufacturing a target according to the present invention may include the following stages:

From a first sheet of raw plastic material, for example polyethylene-based foam, the two projectile receiving surfaces may be cut out, as well as the inner layer that may be inserted between these two receiving surfaces, this layer being cut advantageously from a second sheet of plastic foam with different characteristics to the first sheet, for example polyethylene with a higher density than the first sheet or another plastic material with higher density. Each of the cutting out operations can be followed by the paring of each receiving surface in order to make it smooth, clean and capable of being heat welded or bonded.

It can then be joined to a receiving surface on each side of the inner layer or alternately the two sides of the receiving surfaces without inserting an inner layer, this joining being made either by bonding or by heat welding. This stage may be followed by cutting the reversible target thus made to the final dimensions of the reversible target.

The important step in such a process is the making of at least one surface relief on at least one receiving surface, this shape being a depression. This is made by hot stamping or by removing material.

Advantageously, hot stamping is carried out by means of a tool made of brass the temperature of which reaches 500° C. and which is brought into contact with the foam of the receiving surface in order to melt it and leave the shape of this depression on the receiving surface.

Advantageously, the material is removed using a milling machine.

Forming at least one depression in at least one receiving surface of the target according to the invention can help to reduce the number of projectile refusals by the said receiving surface since this removal of material or hot stamping generates recessed shapes and preferably the creation of shoulders at the edge of the said shapes.

This last step of the process may consist in the execution of chamfers at the edges of the depressions created.

According to this method, at least one central depression 3 b is created. Preferably, the material can be removed on the outer layer 2 of at least one receiving surface so as to remove at least part of its thickness in order to expose, at least partially, the color of the inner layer 3.

Advantageously, at least one peripheral depression 3 a is formed. Preferably, the material can be hot stamped on the outer layer 2 of at least one receiving surface so as to melt at least part of its thickness. This melting of the outer layer 2 forms a crust of color and/or intensity that is different from the outer layer 2.

The two depressions 3 a, 3 b have different depths.

The removal of material at the central depression 3 b creates a deeper depression than at the peripheral depression 3 a. The removal of material is such that it shows the color of the inner layer 3, which is blue, at the central depression 3 b, whereas hot stamping at the peripheral depression 3 a is such that part of the outer layer 2 is still visible, the color of the peripheral depression 3 a being dark orange. When the target comprises multiple peripheral depressions 3 a, these depressions may be of different or equal depths. Advantageously, their depth is different. They are made by hot stamping. For a deeper peripheral depression 3 a, the hot stamping time will be increased preferably in two stages. The color of the peripheral depressions 3 a is advantageously different.

The depressions 3 a and 3 b are made in the thickness of the outer layer 2. Preferably, the depressions 3 a, 3 b are not formed in the inner layer 3.

This method of execution makes it possible to produce a target that can be recycled. Indeed, when the target reaches the maximum number of impacts, it is possible to redesign or remove the external layer(s) 2 in order to replace them or restore a uniform impact-free surface. The target is not launched by throwing.

The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but extends to any other embodiment conforming with its spirit.

REFERENCES

-   1. Target -   2. Outer layer -   2 a Remaining outer part -   2 b Remaining inner part -   3. Inner layer -   3 a Peripheral depression -   3 b Central depression -   4. Edge of the peripheral depression -   5. Thickness of the central depression -   6. Thickness of the peripheral depression -   7. Edge of the central depression -   A.-A. Section axis -   B. Circle 

1. A target (1) for use in archery, which is to be launched into the air and is suitable for being hit by an arrow, comprising at least two mutually opposite surfaces, at least one of which forms a surface for receiving arrows, characterized in that each one of the two surfaces is aligned in a main plane parallel to the other and that each receiving surface has at least one surface relief (3 a, 3 b) forming a central depression arranged so that both surfaces are symmetrical relative to a mid-plane between the two main planes of the two surfaces.
 2. The target (1) according to claim 1 is made of foam.
 3. The target (1) according to claim 2 wherein the central depression (3 b) is annular shaped.
 4. The target according to claim 1 wherein the depression is between 0.2 and 1 cm deep and 6 to 7 cm in diameter.
 5. The target (1) according to claim 1 on which the central depression (3 b) has a different color from the receiving surface.
 6. The target (1) according to claim 1 comprising at least one receiving surface with a plurality of concentric depressions (3 a, 3 b) with equal or different depths.
 7. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the edges (4) of at least one depression (3 a, 3 b) form a shoulder creating an angle of 45° to the receiving surface of the target (1).
 8. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the surface relief (3 a, 3 b) is equipped with cells.
 9. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the target (1) is circular and has a diameter of between 15 and 40 cm, and advantageously between 25 and 33 cm.
 10. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the target (1) is circular and has a thickness of 3 to 15 cm.
 11. The target (1) according to claim 1 wherein the target (1) is made of foam and has a density of 25 to 160 kg/m3.
 12. The target (1) according to claim 1 comprising an inner layer (3), surrounded by two outer layers (2), each of said outer layers (2) forming a receiving surface of the target (1).
 13. The target (1) according to claim 12 wherein the density of the material used for the inner layer (3) is greater than that of the outer layers (2).
 14. The target (1) according to claim 13 wherein the density of the material used for the inner layer (3) is approximately 65 kg/m³, and that of the outer layers is approximately 33 kg/m³.
 15. The target (1) according to claim 14 wherein the density of the material used for the inner layer (3) is greater than that used for the outer layers (2).
 16. The target (1) according to claim 12 wherein the inner layer (3) is in a color, preferably blue, different from the color of the outer layers (2), preferably orange, the two outer layers (2) being preferably in the same color.
 17. The target (1) according to claim 12 wherein the central depression (3 b) has an identical color to the inner layer (3).
 18. A device for launching mobile targets (1) comprising a storage device in which at least one target (1) is installed according to claim 1 and a device for launching the target (1) in the air.
 19. Method for manufacturing a target (1) according to claim 1 characterized by the step of creation of at least one surface relief on at least one receiving surface by hot stamping or removal of material.
 20. Method according to claim 19 in which at least two surface reliefs are made by hot stamping and/or removal of material so as to form two depressions (3 a, 3 b) of different depths.
 21. Method according to claim 19 wherein at least one relief is formed in the thickness of an outer layer (3) of the target.
 22. Method according to claim 19 wherein the hot stamping or removal of material allows the color of the surface relief to be changed relative to the color of the receiving surface. 